The Overutilization of SWAT and the Militarization of Our Police Departments

In January 1973, one of the authors watched as the city of New Orleans was brought to a standstill by a single deranged man, who in the course of his rampage killed nine people, including five policemen. New Orleans had no dedicated element to face such a threat, and brave officers died while attempting to assault this man who was effectively barricaded in a downtown hotel.